Two Presidents and five Prime Ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum countries have confirmed their attendance to the RAMSI 10th Anniversary in Honiara, Solomon Islands next week.
The Heads of States include the Presidents of the Republic of Marshall Islands Mr. Christopher Loeak and the President of the Republic of Nauru, Hon. Baron Divavesi Waqa. The Heads of Governments include Prime Minister Henry Puna of Cook Islands, Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand, Premier Toke Lalagi of Niue, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Malielegaoi of Samoa and Prime Minister Moana Carcasses of Vanuatu.
Other countries represented by senior Ministers include Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator Bob Carr, Papua New Guinea’s Defence Minister, Hon. Fabian Pok and Tonga’s Minister of Police, Sunia Fili.
Permanent Secretary for RAMSI Affairs, Jeffery Kauha said his Office is hoping to receive confirmation from the remaining countries during the week.
Meanwhile, preparations for this historical celebration are well underway in Honiara as the National Organising Committee is working on a program for three days of activities and ceremonies from 23 – 25 July.
The Government has approved the theme: “Strengthening our nation and our region – 10 years of RAMSI- SIG Partnership” for the celebrations.
Main highlights of the event will be the official welcome ceremony at Lawson Tama on July 24 when the general public will witness the arrival of the Pacific Islands Leaders, with a keynote address to be delivered by the Prime Minister Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo to be followed with a gift presentation ceremony for the visiting regional leaders.
Other highlights of the celebrations will include the Gifting of the RAMSI Photo Exhibition to the Solomon Islands Government at the National Art Gallery and the Launch of the RAMSI 10th anniversary video documentary and booklet on Tuesday 23 July.
The visiting leaders will also have an opportunity to share and discuss RAMSI related topics in a closed session meeting before making a historical visit to the RAMSI Headquarters at GBR to view a demonstration by members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force of public order management techniques and to meet contingent members.
A Seminar on the Theme “Looking beyond RAMSI – Solomon Islanders’ Perspective on their Future” will be organised for leaders Forum leaders and the public at the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Conference Center on Thursday 25 July. The Prime Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo will officially open the seminar after an address by the first RAMSI Special Coordinator, Nick Warner. The seminar will feature presentations by young Solomon Islands leaders on issues including land, women in business and politics, development and environment, and leadership.
The National Organising Committee will also host public programs at the National Art Gallery which will include cultural performances, Music entertainment and information sessions to engage the general public on this historical occasion.
There will also be daily public screenings of the RAMSI 10th anniversary video documentary at the National Museum Auditorium in Honiara from 24 – 26 July.
All Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have been invited to the three-day celebrations.
Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit